Family Seeks Transparency After Phoenix Police Shooting

They say they've only heard silence from authorities since the incident.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:47pm

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Days after a deadly shooting involving Phoenix Police, the family of the victim, 36-year-old Christian Diaz Rendon, is calling for transparency and accountability. The family says they found a gun they believe belonged to the intruder, but it was left behind by investigators. They claim Diaz was protecting his loved ones when he was shot and killed by a police officer, not the intruder. The family has asked for answers, but they say they've only heard silence from authorities.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the community, as well as the importance of thorough investigations and transparency when police use deadly force. The family's search for answers and justice reflects the broader challenges in building trust between police and the public they serve.

The details

According to the family, an intruder came to the home on Monday night and started firing. Diaz, who was trying to protect his loved ones, tackled the intruder and held him down until police arrived. However, the family claims that a police officer fired one round, which hit and killed Diaz, not the intruder. The family has since found the gun they believe belonged to the intruder, but they say investigators left it behind.

  • On Monday night, the shooting incident occurred.
  • Two days after the shooting, the family found the gun they believe belonged to the intruder.

The players

Christian Diaz Rendon

A 36-year-old man who was shot and killed by a Phoenix police officer during the incident.

Sonya

A neighbor and pastor of the church the family attends.

Jarvis

Diaz's stepson.

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What they’re saying

“You can see where he threw it. Today, we found out there's a gun inside the car still. It doesn't belong to the family, and [the investigators] left it there. It's unbelievable.”

— Sonya, Neighbor and pastor

“From the first call to police, I think it's just terrible, horrible what happened. The police just coming and shooting without asking, without being threatened; there was no gun pointed at the policeman.”

— Sonya, Neighbor and pastor

“We will forgive with our hearts, and we will learn to move on because we're not people of hate. What keeps us going is hope and a lot of faith. And we're holding onto hope and faith that justice will come, the truth will come out.”

— Jarvis, Diaz's stepson

What’s next

The family has called for transparency and accountability from the authorities, and they are waiting for the investigation to be completed and for the truth to come out.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges in building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and the importance of thorough and transparent investigations when police use deadly force.